OT Course: Know the 6 Standards and Principles of Conduct

The American Occupational Therapy Journal is said to have listed 6 major standards and principles of conduct. Such points are enforceable upon those professionals associated with this field. Such principles have proved to be useful in evaluating times if a licensed professional is found to be accused of undertaking inappropriate actions. Rather, these principles have been created to provide the therapists with proper guidance to follow ethical choices. If any unusual decision and circumstance arise, having ideal principal set can be helpful as the guide. The OT course is presently undertaken by aspiring students in huge numbers to get good job opportunities and a rewarding career.

Beneficence

The professionals who are known to offer occupational therapy are to have deep concerns for their patient’s well-being. While discussing ethics, ’beneficence’ can be termed to be a fancy word and the question her involves if participants are able to benefit from the specific procedure or study. It is possible to come up with customized treatments for patients. The therapist is also required to evaluate periodically if the treatment course benefits the recipient or not.

Nonmaleficence

It is a harmful or an evil act, just opposite to that of beneficence. Logically, this term is refrained from causing harm. It is regarded as a popularly used Hippocratic Oath that is sworn by physicians and acts as a reminder to be careful if there is any harm to be noticed. This is more so, while assisting people with their past injuries, wrong selection of exercise activities only will increase the problem and pain. Although there are few sadistic individuals present in this work, the principle has been targeted mainly at those professionals causing harm to others unintentionally.

Autonomy

The autonomy principle deals with the individual’s right to independence, ensures every patient to have his/her right to self-determination, privacy, confidentiality, and consent. During occupational therapy, personal issues may not be discussed often; the patient’s privacy is still to be respected.

Justice

The hallmarks of justice include fairness and objectivity, which is part of this particular professional domain. The principal also requires the professional to treat people equally, irrespective of their beliefs, race, financial means or orientation. Those not having adequate finances could be directed to the charitable organizations or probable alternatives present to derive proper treatment.

Veracity

There is a need for the professionals to maintain the level of candour and respectability to reflect positivity among others in the field. Deception and misconception could harm the patients and other therapist standings. Veracity is valuable while discussing certifications, experience, and qualification. Failing to provide proper credit and plagiarism is also considered to be violating the set ethical standards.

Fidelity

In Latin word, it stands for ‘Fidelis.’ It means honouring one’s commitments and remaining loyal. Those who work in the occupational therapy office are to be loyal towards their co-workers, patients, peers, and other fellow therapists. Conflict of interests as well as mistakes is to be identified and reported immediately.

The published standards of conduct and principles offer safeguard for those providing such therapeutic services.